Phactory

Category: Opinion

There has been a revival of international (especially Australian) media interest in recent weeks regarding North Korea (DPRK) and its nuclear and missiles program. News Corp, Fairfax, ABC, Channel 7, Channel 9 — you name it — are reporting on the possibilities of war between North Korea and the West, and a nuclear missile attack on Australia. But is there legitimate substance behind these reports? North Korea threatens to nuke Australia: … Continue reading The media, war and North Korea: How ‘yellow journalism’ injects fear into society

You’re out shopping. The milk is $1 cheaper at the bigger store than your local. The vegetables, despite lacking glow, mean you save $10 — and all the stuff you need is in one place. By the end of the week, shopping at the big guns has unknowingly saved you time and money. However, in an increasingly modernised world, the benefits behind supporting local businesses have … Continue reading Buying locally: How it benefits you and your community

Festivals are one of the most popular ways for Aussie music fans to see their favourite artists and enjoy a good time with mates. But with current reports of poor crowd behaviour, rising ticket prices and scalping, more rules and regulations, and less star-studded (more localised) lineups — Australian music festivals like many other things in life, are evolving. As the big music festivals continue to fold, we … Continue reading Poll: How do you feel about Aussie music festivals?

Section 18C? What on earth is that? Are news headlines and social media projecting that it’s something to do with racism and white men? If this is what you’re thinking — you’re not alone. Section 18C makes it unlawful to commit a public act that is reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people based on their race. The Australian … Continue reading What’s Section 18C and all the uproar about?

Sitting on an abundance of liquified natural gas (LNG) reserves, it’s hard to imagine that Australians are the victims of soaring gas prices or as recently reported, gas shortages. But believe it or not, some people in parts of the world such as Asia and Europe, are getting Australian gas at a cheaper price than people actually living in Australia. Despite claims regarding the introduction of the sustainable and … Continue reading Australians pay more than people overseas for Australian gas: The scary truth

It was recently reported that there could soon be an equal number of female and male walking signals at pedestrian crossings around Victoria. The initiative has already begun, with 10 pedestrian lights being altered from little green ‘men’ to little green women at Melbourne’s busy Flinders Street Station intersection. The Committee of Melbourne, a non-profit organisation comprising of over 100 Melbourne business and community groups, claims having … Continue reading Female pedestrian signals: Gender equality or political correctness gone mad?

What do you get when you mix new infrastructure, a low population and an influx of federal money? Canberra. Unlike other cities — which are built over a long period — near something such as a river or the sea for trade, Canberra was designed and built in one-go for the sole purpose of being the nation’s capital. In fact, it’s one of only four capital cities in … Continue reading Canberra: Why is it so unknown and unloved?